Jasmine Cephas Jones
Jasmine Cephas Jones is a towering talent—with beauty and creativity to spare. In her latest project, she is reprising her role as Ashley in the television adaptation of “Blindspotting,” premiering June 13th on STARZ. Based on the 2018 film of the same name, Blindspotting also reunites Jasmine with her costars, and the writers and producers of both the film and series, Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal. As the series begins, Ashley’s boyfriend Miles, who is played by Casal, gets arrested on New Year’s Eve. We follow Ashley and her son as they are forced to move in with Miles’ mother Rainey, played by Helen Hunt. Through music and comedy, the series touches on real issues, including the prison system and the personal challenges people face. We recently spent an inspiring day in Brooklyn hanging with Jasmine, basking in her open and approachable aura and talking about everything from filming during the pandemic to her Bare essentials.
Dress by Isabel Marant. Shoes: Jimmy Choo
The Bare Magazine: What excites you or what do you hope folks will come away with after seeing Blindspotting?
Jasmine Cephas Jones: My favorite part of the show is the storytelling. We are talking about a lot of important issues through comedy, heightened verse, and choreography in the show. I've never seen storytelling like this onscreen. The characters are so full and thought-out, and they bring you on an emotional rollercoaster ride that is hilarious and thought-provoking. If anyone has a blind spot to the issues that we are talking about, I hope they walk away with a better understanding of these issues. It all starts with a conversation. I hope viewers can start having these conversations if they have never had them before. I also hope they are entertained and laugh through it all!
Bare: In what ways did working on the show contribute your growth both personally and professionally?
JCJ: This show pushed me as an artist in ways that I have never experienced before. My character, Ashley, goes through a whirlwind of emotions. I wanted to make sure she wasn’t one-dimensional, and that I showed all of her colors. There was a lot of firsts for me in this show. I went all the way and didn’t look back because that is what this show deserves. Rapping emotional verses and breaking the fourth wall was a challenge. I wanted it to feel raw and real and not just a random performance. There were a lot of moments when I thought, "I don’t think I can do this,” but I worked through them and had a great support system on set.
Bare: What did you find most challenging about filming during the pandemic?
JCJ: We took the pandemic very seriously on set. We had to wear masks and shields between takes and for rehearsals. We didn’t really get to bond the way you usually do in those creative settings. We had to work around it and through it together to create these characters that have known each other for years. It goes to show you how talented everyone is. We accepted the challenge and found a groove. But we didn’t get to hang out as a cast like we all wanted to. I missed that.
Bare: What did you love most about your character Ashley?
JCJ: Ashley is a loyal partner and friend. She is the unsung hero that represents a lot of what mothers are going through. There’s so much going on in her life, but she does everything she can to create the best life for her son. I like her as a person a lot. She shares her true feelings with the audience. I think a lot of women can relate to that. She’s also just very badass. I mean, she trashes a hotel room with a tennis racket!
Bare: What actors do you admire and inspire you? Are there any you'd love to work with?
JCJ: Gary Oldman, Viola Davis, Jodie Comer to name a few. Gary Oldman is definitely my favorite actor—he’s so transformative and such a brilliant artist. You never recognize him in anything he does because he is always so dedicated. His work ethic is definitely something I admire.
Bare: What are your favorite hobbies or activities to do when you have down time?
JCJ: I love to sing and write music. I love watching some great storytelling. I love watching my friends perform; it always inspires me. Chilling with my dog and traveling to England to see my family.
Bare: What did you discover your love for first, music or acting?
JCJ: I have been going to school for singing since middle school. Music is definitely my first love. My mom had the dopest record collection with so much music. It’s how I discovered Stevie Wonder. The song “Living For The City” was my audition song for every school I got into, including college. It wasn’t until I played Edith in “Pirates of Penzance” in high school that I discovered I loved acting just as much.
Bare: How would you describe your personal style? Do you have any favorite designers or brands?
JCJ: My style is Sophia Loren mixed in with Lisa Bonet. I love some baggy jeans with a pair of Doc Martens but also love to wear vintage dresses.
Bare: Do you like to experiment with different makeup and hair looks?
JCJ: My go-to is always wearing my hair curly. I diffuse it and usually put it up in a bun. I love to rock braids from time to time and, if I have some down time, I’ll blow it out.
Bare: What are your Bare essentials?
JCJ: My bare essential is music, wherever I go. I always have to have my headphones by me, hand sanitizer, and lip balm. And of course my tribe ... my people that I can count on and keep me grounded.
Styling: Jason Rembert assisted by Mauricia Henry
Hair: Babette Douglas
Photos and Makeup: Tina Turnbow using Ogee
Edited by Didi Gluck
Shot at The Bare Magazine’s Remsen studio in Brooklyn
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
